BAKERSFIELD, CA - The county administrative office is proposing that the board of supervisors declare a fiscal emergency to help manage ongoing budget deficits for the general fund.
The office cites escalating pension costs, lower projected property tax revenue from oil properties and the impending cost of a new jail.
Declaring a fiscal emergency would allow the county to access reserve funding to offset a possible deficit.
County administrative officer John Nilon said they'll also request authorization from the board of supervisors to reduce county budgets by one percent.
"Clearly the belts will be tightened. Clearly we'll be as efficient as we possibly can, but at the end of the day we may have less services. We won't know that until each of the operating departments provide us with their plans to adjust to those new levels," said John Nilon, Kern County Administrative Officer.
The issue is expected to be brought up at the board of supervisors meeting next Tuesday.